Final answer:
Electrolytic capacitors, available as wet or dry types, are used for their high capacitance and must be oriented correctly in a circuit to avoid damage. They're made using materials like ceramic, glass, or plastic with insulating dielectrics. Capacitors can be connected in series or parallel to alter total capacitance for various applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most common types of fixed capacitors is the electrolytic capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors can be classified as either wet or dry. These capacitors are composed of an oxidized metal placed in a conducting paste, with their high capacitance being a notable advantage over other types. For instance, an aluminum electrolytic capacitor can reach a capacitance of up to 1.0 F. However, caution must be exercised when incorporating an electrolytic capacitor into a circuit, as it must be oriented correctly with the metal foil at a higher potential than the conducting paste.
Reversing the polarity by connecting it to an alternating current source can damage the capacitor due to the electrolytic action that destroys the oxide film. Capacitors are made using various materials like ceramic, glass, or plastic, with insulating materials known as dielectrics, and have use in applications that range from filtering radio static to storing energy in medical devices. It's also essential to understand how capacitors can be connected in series or parallel to achieve different total capacitance values for varying applications.